The Story

If art is basically man imitating nature, what happens when nature imitates itself?

During the long winter, the man sat by the fire and was, once again, hypnotically gazing at the glittering light on the cave walls. Suddenly, he realized a protuberance on the ceiling, and then another, and another... In his mind, a herd of bulls came to life. It was so realistic that he felt the urge to freeze his vision by adding pigments to the natural shapes.

Altamira caves
Circa 18.000 BC

 

 

 

  The feelings of the Altamira and Lascaux cave dwellers, upon recognizing shapes on the cave walls and ceilings, are probably similar to those of children all over the world when they look up at the clouds in the sky and discover realistic shapes and forms of live.

 

Photographs of galaxies from the Hubble telescope and nano pictures from an atomic microscope, reveal from time to time images that deserve our attention, not only because of their scientific value, but also because of their beauty and resemblance to other natural forms. Some of them could well be hanging in the walls of contemporary art museums.

 

 

 

 

Landscape forms all over the world have conditioned the beliefs of ancient cultures.

What makes those natural shapes so energetic and expressive?

What process leads nature to create a piece among thousands that happens to be a masterpiece in human terms, something that is a relevant design that transmits power, honesty and a new approach to the model imitated?

Does human art not follow the same rules?

Nature Art created by chance. Human Art created with technique and insight. Both processes end with the creation of a unique shape or design that deserves our attention.

 


Natural Shapes is a virtual exhibit of my work, done in a four-step process as described hereunder, using driftwood and roots:

1 - Gathering

Driftwood is the kind of timber you find in rivers, lakes and beaches. Eroded and streamlined by the effect of water and sun, some pieces are zoomorphic, presenting shapes and textures that resemble life forms.

My work is an “unfair” partnership with nature’s chaotic work. Most of the job is already done by nature. Magnificent sculptures lay in rivers and sandy beaches or they float like dark icebergs in mountain lakes.

All the excitement of a private visit to a world-class museum combined with Crusoe’s morning promenades.

Whether on a weekend trip a few hours from home, or thousands of miles away I’m always willing to look and search for new pieces.

 

2 - Observing

Once at home, after the outdoor experience, comes the observation phase. I suspect Neolithic men spent the winter days warming up and hibernating in a cave, with no hurry. I have also taken my time. Sometimes looking at a piece at different times and with different states of mind can help. Even seeing it’s main shape with the corner of the eye can be inspiring.

There are many possible ways of interacting, many different routes to follow, many painting techniques to use…

 

3 - Painting

By adding acrylic "pigments" to the three-dimensional surface I make my own interpretation of the natural shape: It is the way I see the piece as if it was a real form of life.

The main rule for me is " finish what nature has started, but don’t try to correct it". In other words: I follow the natural lines and curves of the wood and add color only when I think it helps enhance the natural shape. I respect each piece by refraining from modeling or carving it. Nature carves it. I paint it.


4-Sharing

I believe thoughts, ideas and creations have a real meaning only when they are shared. The aim of this virtual exhibit is to share my personal experience.

After having spent hundreds of hours contemplating the details of a piece of wood in my hands, I think this is the most enrichening part of the process. I believe observation of natural shapes leads to personal insight. Probably because we spend most of our time looking at things rather than observing them.

 

 


If the pieces you see in this web site say something to you, please send your comments.

>>>> Interested in hosting a NATURAL SHAPES real exhibit ? Please contact

Enrique Recio
info@erecio.com